II. Indications

  1. DVT Prophylaxis after hip surgery

III. Mechanism

  1. Hirudin Direct Thrombin Inhibitor
    1. Bivalent peptide derivatives from Salivary Gland of medicinal leaches

IV. Dosing

  1. DVT Prophylaxis after hip surgery
    1. Administer 15 mg SQ every 12 hours after hip surgery
    2. GFR 31 to 60 ml/min
      1. Reduce dose to 5 mg SQ every 12 hours
    3. GFR <=30 ml/min
      1. Reduce dose to 1.7 mg SC every 12 hours
      2. Avoid repeat dosing (risk of Anaphylaxis)

V. Adverse Effects

  1. Major Bleeding
  2. Allergic Reaction
    1. Serious Allergic Reactions including Anaphylaxis may occur with Hirudins
    2. Highest risk on Hirudin re-exposure or in GFR <30 ml/min

VI. Safety

  1. Pregnancy Category C
  2. Unknown safety in Lactation

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Ontology: desirudin (C0378366)

Definition (NCI) A synthetic recombinant form of the naturally occurring hirudin, the anticoagulant substance found in leech. Desirudin is a selective and almost irreversible inhibitor of thrombin, both free and clot-bound, by blocking its active site. This anticoagulant agent has no effect on other components of the hemostatic system. Desirudin is particularly used to prevent deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery.
Concepts Pharmacologic Substance (T121) , Amino Acid, Peptide, or Protein (T116)
MSH C060225
SnomedCT 319718008, 407117009
English desulfatohirudin, desulphatohirudin, recombinant HV1 hirudin, desirudin, 63-Desulfohirudin(Hirudo medicinalis isoform HV1), desirudin (medication), DESIRUDIN, desirudine, Desirudin (product), Desirudin, Desirudin (substance), Desirudine, Desulfatohirudin
Spanish desirudina (producto), desirudina, desirudina (sustancia), desirudin